The blog of Dr Alison Newby – coach & historian

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Writing activities

Want to know more about my writing activities?

Take a look below…

My coaching work Coaching is my passion. In addition to being a practising coach, I write about coaching and management/leadership issues here on my own blog, as well as for other organisations via guest posts and paid commissions. I’ve worked on producing copy with amongst others the Staff Development Forum (SDF), Times Higher Education (THE) and Institute of Leadership & Management (ILM) in the UK as well as the International Coach Federation (ICF), aiming to provide a variety of types of copy for web, print and digital publications (including eLearning materials). By designing impactful ‘thought and reflection experiences’ through my writing, I succeed in making complex coaching, management and leadership concepts accessible, particularly for individuals and groups who are unable to devote much time to continuing professional development.

My academic work I specialise in short form copy which makes historical and sociological perspectives understandable to and relevant for a variety of audiences, from the public and non-specialists to academics, students and researchers. By designing and implementing impactful focused research projects, I showcase artefacts and documents from the unique collections preserved by the University of Manchester Centre in which I’m based as well as those of other cultural institutions. The resulting insights allow me to convey in writing the excitement and fascination of historical materials, contextualising their relevance for today. You can take a look at some of this work here.

My invitation I’m open to working on projects relating to both sides of my writing activities, coaching and academic. Whilst short form copy (such as blog and social media posts) are a focus for me, I also produce longer pieces, from reports, discussion papers and articles to books, chapters and learning materials. Let’s explore your needs…

Get in touch via the contact form at the bottom of this page if you’d like to discuss writing opportunities with me.

Want to hear other people’s views about my writing and their experience of working with me?

Check out these testimonials…

“I recently had the pleasure of working with Alison on the development and publication of a number of resources for the Institute. The work produced by Alison was on time, was exactly what was required, and throughout the process Alison demonstrated a high level of competence and professionalism.”

“Our experience working with Alison has been great since day one. She’s passionate about education, experienced and knowledgeable in the instructional coaching world, and has been a pleasure to partner with in creating content. We look forward to continuing our relationship with her and can absolutely recommend Alison in any professional instructional coaching context.”

Brad and The TeachBoost Team, TeachBoost, USA

“Alison is skilled in drawing out shared stories from complex archival material. She then weaves them together with personal insight, historical knowledge and sensitivity into pieces of writing that are highly readable. Her blog posts serve to promote our collections, provide learning content and provoke reflection into the biggest issues of race, identity and history, all in under 800 words!”

“As a manager in HE, a mother, wife and friend, I spend much of my day directing, coaching, advising, listening… trying to find solutions. Sometimes the heady rush of success, sometimes the nausea-inducing sweat of self-doubt… In Alison Newby’s website and writing I find a new world of guidance, support, even succour. It is filled with marvellous professional and personal insights. Alison’s passion for education and coaching simply shines and I would recommend Alison in any professional coaching capacity without hesitation.”

Andrea Palmer-Baker, University of Manchester, UK

“I am a practising coach and manager in Higher Education and Alison has provided coaching for one of my direct reports. She is a professional in every sense of the word, showing a commitment to coaching and her clients via her practice and a commitment to the profession through her writing and blogs. I would not hesitate to recommend her to those interested in being coached, developing their team or for coaches who are interested in reading for their own development.”